Upcoming Programs

Nightmare on Ethics Street!October 31 | 11:30am - 1:00pm

CPCC Harris Campus

Kathy Friend is the new Vice President of Development at Novant Health and comes with a wealth of experience in both higher education and health care. She has presented on ethics to both AFP and CASE conferences. Register here.

Sold-out Robert Sharpe Program

We look forward to seeing everyone who has registered for the sold-out Robert Sharpe program this Thursday at Foundation For The Carolinas. Please be on the lookout for an email with the logistics.

President's Letter

If you weren't able to attend the September AFP Program, you missed out! We were pleased to welcome David Heinen from the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits to discuss public policy for nonprofits. Although this may not sound like the most exciting topic, it is very important to the work we do and we need to be knowledgeable advocates for our sector.

One of the main issues that could impact our sector is tax reform. A tax reform bill has finally been introduced. According to Jason Lee's, AFP International interim President and CEO, recent blog post, "The plan, called the GOP Tax Reform Framework, isn't great news for charities. While the charitable deduction remains intact (one of the few deductions that does), the plan would likely lead to a reduction in giving because the standard deduction would be doubled. That change would cut the number of taxpayers who itemize from 33 percent to just 5 percent--or in real numbers, a loss of 30 million itemizers!" Research by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Independent Sector found that doubling the standard deduction would reduce giving by $13 billion annually.

To solve this AFP is advocating for the universal charitable deduction which, according to the same research, would increase giving of almost $5 billion.
How you can help? Republican House leaders have set up a public survey to get basic feedback about the Framework. Jason and I urge you to go to the survey to submit your comments about concerns about the impact. Have your voice be heard!

With gratitude,

Stephanie Stenglein, CFRE
President, AFP Charlotte

Leverage Your Membership

We encourage all of our members to get the most out of their membership with AFP Charlotte. One way to do this is by joining one of our volunteer committees. Not only will you be providing service to our Chapter, but this is a great way to learn more about our local AFP. This is also a great networking opportunity, as you'll also get to know your fellow members and colleagues that you serve with, and create more meaningful connections. Many of our Board Members begin their service to the Chapter by joining a committee, so this is a great way to begin a leadership path within AFP Charlotte. Some of our committees include:

Programming

Membership

Scholarships

Mentoring

National Philanthropy Day

And more!

Time commitments range from simply communicating via email, to regular meetings, to support at Chapter events. For more information on our committees, or to learn how to get involved, please contact admin@afpcharlotte.org.

Three Easy Steps to Begin the CFRE Process

CFRE certification shows your peers, supervisors and, most importantly, donors your commitment to your chosen career and your ability to perform to set standards. CFRE certification also requires recertification every three years, proving you stay ahead of the curve in fundraising.

Many fundraising professionals who have become CFRE certificants experience salary and wage increases based on their certification status. Studies show that on average CFRE certificants earn 17% more than their non-certified counterparts.

To get started:

Set a date to sit for the exam. If you're new in fundraising, consider setting a 3-5 year goal in and take that time to gain knowledge and experience. If you've been in the field for 3+ years, set your goal for next year.

Let us know if you'd like to be part of a CFRE study group by contacting Lucy@loavesandfishes.org. Another great resource is www.CFRE.org for test content outline, resource reading list, glossary of fundraising terms and more. For more information on AFP Charlotte's CFRE reimbursement, please go to our website.

AFP Scholarship Opportunity

AFP International is now accepting applications for their diversity scholarship due October 31 for the upcoming AFP International Conference in New Orleans April 15-17. Here is the link to the AFP Diversity Scholarship Application form.

National Philanthropy Day

The 2017 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon is less than a month away! Click here for ticket purchasing and event information. We are grateful to have Boingo Graphics, Charlotte Rescue Mission, Foundation For The Carolinas, and OrthoCarolina as NPD sponsors. We look forward to celebrating philanthropy in Charlotte with you. For any questions or concerns, contact Sarah Lanners.